If you love creamy tomato soup but think it takes too long to make, I’ve got great news! My Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy days. In just a few steps, you can enjoy rich, flavorful soup that warms your soul. Let’s dive into the tasty ingredients and steps that will make this dish a favorite in your home!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of heavy cream or coconut cream gives this soup a rich and velvety texture that elevates the classic tomato soup experience.
- Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can have this comforting soup ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking or substitute the cream for a plant-based option, making it a versatile choice for everyone.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes, with juices
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Optional Garnishes
You can make your soup shine with a few simple garnishes. Here are some ideas:
– A drizzle of olive oil adds richness.
– Fresh cracked pepper brings a nice kick.
– Grated Parmesan cheese can add a salty flavor.
– Croutons give a crunchy texture.
Ingredient Substitutes
Not all ingredients may be on hand. Here are some easy swaps:
– Use canola oil instead of olive oil for cooking.
– Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
– If you lack vegetable broth, chicken broth works well.
– For a fresh touch, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Vegetables
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need olive oil, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
1. Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat for about a minute.
3. Next, add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery stalk.
4. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften and the onion to turn clear.
After 5 minutes, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute. The garlic will fill your kitchen with a lovely smell.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Now it’s time to combine the ingredients.
1. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes with their juices.
2. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth.
3. For flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything well.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Blending and Finishing
Once the timer goes off, it’s time to release the pressure.
1. Carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release.
2. When the steam stops, open the lid safely.
Now it’s blending time! You can use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool a bit. Then, blend it in a regular blender, but remember to vent it for safety.
After blending, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Switch back to the Sauté function and warm the soup for a few minutes. Taste it and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
Finally, ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. Top each serving with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting Seasonings
When you make this soup, taste it often. You might want more salt or pepper. You can also add a pinch of sugar. This helps balance the acid in the tomatoes. If you like herbs, try adding more basil or oregano. Fresh herbs will bring bright flavors.
Choosing the Right Cream
For a rich soup, use heavy cream. It adds a smooth texture. If you want a lighter option, coconut cream works great too. It gives a nice flavor and keeps it dairy-free. Just stir it in after blending for the best taste.
Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients
Want to kick it up a notch? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds depth to the flavor. You could also toss in roasted red peppers for a sweet touch. If you like a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. Just a little will make it exciting! Try different combinations to find what you love.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of your soup. Add it at the end for a vibrant taste boost.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Enhance Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar before serving can add a delightful depth of flavor to the soup.
- Make it Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve a portion of the diced tomatoes and stir them in after blending.
Variations
Dairy-Free Option
You can easily make this soup dairy-free. Just switch out the heavy cream. Use coconut cream instead. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You will still enjoy a rich, smooth soup.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Want to boost the nutrition? Add more veggies! Chop up some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Toss them in during the sauté step. They will cook down nicely and blend well. This makes the soup heartier and more colorful.
Spicy Tomato Soup Variation
If you love heat, this is for you! Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Stir them in when you add the garlic. This will give your soup a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Enjoy the warmth with every spoonful!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After making your creamy tomato soup, cool it down. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great choice. Allow the soup to cool fully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your creamy tomato soup, you have a couple of options. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Start with about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Remove the skins by blanching them in boiling water for a minute. Then, chop them and add them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes may need extra cooking time. You can add a bit more broth to help them break down.
How to thicken the soup?
To thicken your soup, you can do a few things. First, blend the soup longer to make it creamier. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir this mix into the soup and cook for a few minutes. Another option is to add more cream or let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
What can I serve with creamy tomato soup?
Creamy tomato soup goes well with many sides. A classic is grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic toast. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad. It makes a great meal, especially on chilly days.
In this article, we explored the key ingredients for creamy tomato soup and discussed optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the soup. I shared tips and tricks to adjust flavors and choose the right cream. We also reviewed variations like dairy-free options and extra vegetables.
In short, making this soup is easy and fun. Enjoy creating your own unique versio
